Theatre-goers are in for a big treat this year with all the City of Johannesburg’s three theatres – Joburg, Soweto and Roodepoort – offering entertainment from the top drawer for the next 12 months.

This year’s thrilling programme kicks off with the musical West Side Story on the Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre in Braamfontein on January 24.

The Eric Abraham and Fugard Theatre production is probably one of the best musicals ever written in recent years in which a modern-day Romeo and Juliet are caught up in a turf war between rival New York street gangs.

The musical runs until March 5.

February sees the staging of Six Inches at the Joburg Theatre’s The Fringe – from Valentine’s Day (February 14) to February 18. Loaded with innuendo, Six Inches touches on all things sexual. It is an exploratory comedy about three girls and their different sexual identities.

The Festival of Fame, presented by the National School of Arts, runs from March 7 to March 12 on the Mandela Stage.

“We’re excited to be hosting such an electrifying calendar and look forward to being the venue of choice for citizens seeking the very best in entertainment.”

Meanwhile, across town in Jabulani, Soweto, Woza Albert!, the world-acclaimed anti-apartheid satirical play, makes a welcome return when it hits the Red Theatre stage at the Soweto Theatre after a successful run at the Joburg Theatre in February last year.

The play by Mbongeni Ngema, Percy Mtwa and Barney Simon runs from February 8 to February 22. Woza Albert!, which forms part of the Gauteng Department of Education’s school set work, is set in the 1980s at the height of apartheid repression.

The play is still as relevant today as it was when it was first staged more than 30 years ago, when black South Africans were treated like second-class citizens and their movements restricted by pass laws.

Woza Albert! is political satire at its best. The play imagines the Second Coming of Morena (Jesus Christ) in apartheid South Africa. Award-winning actors Bheki Mkhwane and Hamilton Dhlamini, who each play a number of roles – from a vendor, barber and domestic worker to manual labourer and soldier – make it easier for audiences to relate to the new South Africa, where people, despite enjoying political freedom, still yearn for a better life.

Mkhwane and Dhlamini show off their skills in acting, miming, singing and dancing. They also create images using a few words and actions. Using the metaphor of Morena, the production raises questions about how Christ would have reacted if he came back to witness how the country’s majority population was being treated in apartheid South Africa.

Would he have liked what was going on? If not, what would he have done to stop the atrocities, what the United Nations declared was a crime against humanity?

The actors perform with a rich humour despite the hardships the characters go through. Mkhwane is best known for his TV role as Samson in Mzansi Magic soapie Isibaya.

There is nothing more exciting in the music scene than the arrival of new talent, taking into account the million-dollar question of whether that newcomer will stand the test of time in this challenging industry.

The new kid on the block, who goes by the moniker Bhuda, was born Paul Madondo 29 years ago in Sobantu, outside Pietermaritzburg, mentions Mduduzi `Mandoza’ Tshabalala, Bonginkosi `Zola 7’ Dlamini, Big Nuz and DJ Cleo as inspiration. That is in addition to his dear mother, on whom he heaps showers of praises “for her massive support in my quest to make it in the dog-at-dog music industry.”

Bhuda’s debut album titled Majaivane, featuring producer Presley `Biblos’ Ledwaba, was released during the previous Festive Season, with a promise of something `different, better, bigger and hotter’ in local kwaito circles. Under Jackie Sithole’s Cr8ive Nest Entertainment record label, it took eight months to knock the Majaivane 10-track album together. Explains Bhuda: “We were about to finish shooting our video, and were fully booked for a number of performances with my spectacular dancers Ishmael and George, but we had to postpone everything, as a gesture of respect for our late icon of democracy, Dr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.”

He recalls their final performance at the Ambassador Hotel in Hillbrow, where multitudes of music lovers packed the venue to capacity. “It was a night to remember as they sang along, kept asking for more, and out-danced themselves till the early hours of the next morning.” Like all starry-eyed youngsters, Bhuda relocated to Jozi for better opportunities, having worked with a Durban-based Sonke Record Company and clinching dozens of performances at Bat Centre, the Banana City’s beehive of entertainment.“It takes patience and ambition, and not giving up on one’s dreams. Also, you learn from those who came before you and had made their mark,” declares Bhuda, who has shared the stage with the best in local music, including Bulelwa `Zahara’ Mkutukana, Ntando Bangani and the late Brown Dash.

As a social responsibility, Bhuda spends his leisure time composing beats for upcoming kwaito musicians at Cr8ive Nest, and help them keep them away from mischief associated with idleness like drugs and other abuse of other addictive substances.

Sports betting centres in the Joburg CBD, Hillbrow and Bruma are places for entertainment and social interactions, according to the operations manager who opted for anonymity.

The Sports Bet SA branch in the Joburg CBD started as a horse racing day job 20 years ago, and it was later converted into a sports company, according to the operations manager. Within those 20 years they were able to create more than 300 job opportunities for unemployed persons, and hired 170 staff. “Here one can be promoted from being a cleaner to a clerk,” he said.

He added that they hold 14 licenses in Johannesburg, while only 80 licenses are issued in Gauteng. Besides the inner-city Sports Bet branch they also have others in nearby Hillbrow and Bruma.

“We have gone from four shops three years ago and currently on 14, and still in the market to increase the number to 17 by March next year. We trying to open other Sport Bet branches around the inner-city but it is very difficult because of limitations imposed by government regulations,” he said.

The operation manager added that the betting centres are also places for entertainment and social interaction. “It is not like you just come in and spend money. People do not only come here to gamble, it is also an advantage to people with no access to DSTV at home, as we have more than 11 TV sets per branch, and they come here to watch soccer matches. This is also where they discuss many other things besides soccer, it’s a social thing.”

He added that people are attracted to the betting places by the prospect of low investment for high returns.

“For instance there is one person who won R494 000 after spending only R10, another got R20 000 after also using R10, and another spent R50 to bet and won R287 000.”

He also explained that as a business they abide by the regulations of the Gauteng Gambling Board, in which they encourage responsible gambling. “But it ultimately depends on the individual as to how much they want to spend on betting.

“Our clients benefit a lot from this because they know how much they get when they bet with a certain amount of money, unlike other gambling codes, this is a low investment for high return venture.” .

He added that they also observe social responsibilities in that they are prepared to offer financial assistance if approached by customers. “We currently fund staff housing and nurseries for their children.”

The operations manager added that they are trying to grow the business and create even more jobs.

“It’s however a pity that crime affects us, as we have been robbed several times,” he said.

Dance Umbrella, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is part of the Joburg Arts Alive International festival that annually heralds Spring. It opens on Saturday with a work called Cover Up by Mandafounis-Mazliah-Zahry, three dancers from the William Forsythe Company in Germany.

Cover Up is a multi-media work that looks at impressions and how it affects people differently. Presented in partnership with the Goethe Institut-Johannesburg it will be at the Dance Factory on Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday the Wits Theatre will rock with the evergreen, ever-popular Stepping Stones programme. Youth groups, community groups and students from all over Gauteng will display diversity as they present their work. Entrance to this day-long programme is free.

On September 3 and 4 Fana Tshabalala, the Standard Bank Young Arts Award recipient for Dance 2013, will present his commissioned work Indumba at the Dance Factory. He looks at the tradition of cleansing body and soul, within the African culture. It is presented in partnership with the National Arts Festival 2013.

Also on Tuesday at the Market Theatre, the commissioned work of the doyenne of contemporary dance, Adele Blank, called Blank Page will officially open Dance Umbrella 2013. This is a celebration of her remarkable life in dance and Blank will recapture some of the celebrated work she has created over the past 50 years. On September 5 and 6 at the Wits Downstairs Theatre, a Mixed Bill programme featuring six young choreographers, Reginald Danster, Sunnyboy Motau, Thamsanqa Majela, Liyabuya Gongo, Nthabiseng Segoe and Joni Barnard with Kieron Jina, will be presented.

Pro-Helvetia, the Swiss Arts Council will present Another Chopstick Story/Swan by T42 Dance Projects choreographed by Misato Inoue and Félix Duméril at the Wits Theatre on September 6. This work, while reflecting on the opera Madame Butterfly explores the struggle of a woman coming to grips with her own identity buy aripiprazole .

I Feel Ya, a collaboration between Moving into Dance Mophatong, Zuluboy and the Cross Over Dance Company from the Netherlands, will be presented at the Market Theatre on September 7 and 8. These artists take one on an adventure into a world where no sound exists and bring Hip Hop and traditional African dance together with sign language. I Feel Ya is presented in partnership with the Fonds Podium Kunsten Netherlands.

Mamela Nyamza brings her highly praised work Okuya Phantisi Kwempumlo/The Meal at the Barney Simon Theatre on September 7. This work looks at relationships between women from different generations and races.

Our Lady of the Flowers is presented by Francisco Camacho/EIRA on September 8 at Wits Theatre. This work looks at obsession, love and dance as a movement of sensual pleasure. It is presented in partnership with the Government of Portugal and the Secretary for Culture.

A brilliant cast of talented performers brings Joburg audiences the magical tales from the Peoples Theatre’s latest production, The Frog Prince and other Fabulous Tales from September 2 to October 6.

Straight out of the favourite story books of all time, Emmanuelle Girard, Sebe Leotlela, Thiart van der Linde (Thiard Li) and Thabo Kunutu will transform into the loveable, and not so lovable, characters from tales such as the Frog Prince; Little Red Riding Hood; Billy Goats Gruff; The Emperor’s New Clothes; The Brave Little Rooster; The Elves and the Shoemaker; Rumplestiltskin and The Three Little Pigs.

“The characters each have their own identity and audience member will relate to that and become involved with the characters. Expect a lot of fun and excitement,” said Li.

A delightful, colourful set by Marius Boshoff and beautiful costumes by Linda Wilson will add to making The Frog Prince and Other Fabulous Tales a sure winner with the whole family. “I love doing children’s theatre. It always feels good, knowing that you put smiles on youngsters’ faces and educating them through performing,” said children’s theatre veteran Sebe Leotlela.

Kunutu got involved in various musicals including Ian Von Memerty and Brian Schimmel’s A Handful of Keys and Andrew Lloyd Webbers Phantom of The Opera in 2012.

“Story book theatre is one of the hardest forms of children’s theatre and offers a great challenge to any actor,” said Emmanuelle Girard, who obtained a degree in Theatre Arts at the University of Lyon in France. Her stage appearances include Beauty and the Beast, Babe the Sheep Pig, The King and I, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Sleeping, Pinocchio,

A group of Johannesburg youths have formed a fashion design association called Retro Style, which is made up of 18 individuals from different professions.

The group’s spokesperson, Siyabonga Ngwenya says through their group they hope to inspire other youths through art and grow as a crew. “Our aim is to inspire youth. Our members are all passionate about fashion, and we all have different talents that we bring together to focus on fashion.”

Ngwenya says his Retro Crew fashion group consists of make-up artists, rappers, skaters, fashion stylists and a photographer. ‘’ We are art and it is not an act but a habit. Nowadays people follow a trend called izikhothane which is about label and how expansive it is. We want to change it by showing people how one can be stylish without being expensive,’’ he said.

He adds that so far they have quite a number of youth who admire their style, and giving them the carriage to make it.

The Retro Crew members sell the clothing they design. “We want to organize an event whereby youth will show their artistic talent. We also hope to get sponsors and have a never ending journey,’’ he added.

After sold-out performances at the National Schools Festival in Grahamstown, the production Hayani is coming to Johannesburg. It brings compelling performances and a heart-rending home-grown story of a generation nearly lost and forgotten, and which is yearning to be heard. The performance will be at the Market Theatre, from 18 September to 27 October.

After massive national success, Hayani is coming home and Joburg audiences can look forward to spellbinding performances from this stunning two-man show, which begs the questions: Where is your true home, how do you find it and how do you keep from leaving it?

Atandwa Kani, who hails from New Brighton, Port Elizabeth, and Nat Ramabulana, (pictured) who is from Thohoyandou, Limpopo, are the talented actors breathing life into the characters. While performing as themselves they also expressively play a number of other vital characters in their lives.

They masterfully weave their personal narratives against the tumultuous transitional years in South Africa. Along their journey they recollect their memories, painful, awkward and funny, of childhoods and teen years past, in an honest and enriching tale.

Hayani, meaning ‘home’ in Venda, is an original piece reflecting on the meaning of ‘home’ in the context of SA since its transition. The play explores the stories of two young males who take journeys back home, a journey towards a better understanding of who they are and what it really means to be a South African.

One of South Africa’s freshest acts, Luanga Choba (pictured above) will present her distinctive sound and rich, earthy melodies at the Bassline Jazz Club in Newtown on 14 September. The event will see the premiere of Luanga’s music video, Leave Me and a live band performance of her other songs.

Luanga entered the music scene in 2012 and she has established her own label Xhimvani Records. She penned and released her 14 track album Luanga Who? launched earlier this year. Dubbing her music ‘Gonzo Soul’, drawn from Bill Cardoso’s ‘Gonzo journalism’ description of Hunter S Thompson’s unconventional, subjective kind of reportage.

“My producers could not tell me what my genre was. They could tell me what it isn’t or what it’s close to, but not what it is. When challenged on what my music was, I did a little research into it and decided that Gonzo Soul fitted best. I couldn’t tell you what soul is, but I know soul when I hear soul and I hear it in my music.”

From a very early age her musical soul was insistent on being heard. Luanga recalls her musical explorations, a nonsense song sampled to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and later a girl group called Charisma which stole the audience’s hearts and progressed to the semi-finals of the Shell Road to Fame on Luanga’s own composition Men Are Nothing but Trouble. A year later she won the composition category with the same song.

However she chose to follow a career in medicine, leaving her music behind. She graduated with a medical degree from Cape Town University in 1999 and went on to practice medicine in the UK. Yet something nagged at her. “I felt like I was always looking for someone or something,” says Luanga.

Despite uncertainty in the industry and the difficulties associated with forging a career in music, Luanga could no longer ignore her passion and the songs that were welling up in her. Deeply connected to her African roots, Luanga’s songwriting process is organic and she allows the music to flow through her. Her cellphone has become her best friend, on hand to record a song whenever it pops into her head. Fear of commercialising this process and losing her authenticity drove her decision to establish her own record label.

Luanga performs in various languages, including her mother tongue Setswana. She goes to great lengths to use Setswana idioms drawing her research from Setswana radio stations, she has found that her appreciation for the language has surged.

A self-taught fashion designer from Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, has been honoured as one of South Africa’s top emerging fashion designers at the Annual Vukani! Fashion Awards held recently at Emperors Palace.

The awards, which have been presented for 19 years, aim to discover and nurture young talent from a business and design perspective. Each year, young designers are tasked with designing garments according to a theme, to test how well they can interpret a brief. This year’s theme was ‘Trends in Fashion – Back to Basics’.

This year’s overall winner, Luthando Mbobo, describes his style as traditional, stylish and simple. Inspired by rural South Africa, he used traditional blankets as the material to construct his garments.

“I’m promoting local clothing and want to encourage people to buy local clothing. It’s important because it’s growing our economy so that we can create jobs and opportunities,” says Mbobo.

From a very young age, it was his dream to become a fashion designer. His mother, who was a tailor, passed away in 2001 and he inherited her sewing machine. He believes he also inherited his gift and passion for clothing design from her.

Mbobo lives in Katlehong with his grandmother, two sisters and a brother. Self-employed, he currently shares a clothing studio with five other designers in PritchardStreet, in the Johannesburg CBD. He hopes his win at the Awards will translate into further career opportunities and an increase in demand for the garments he designs.

Other winners in this year’s Awards includeAnchonay Louw, an Oakfields College graduate from Eersterust in Pretoria (High Fashion Award) and Fabian Kevin Ah-Sing, a final year student at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Most Innovative Designer Award).

Some of the designers, who have been recognized through the Awards in the past, include Gert Johann-Coetzee, Sandile Kula, Vuyokazi Mabona, Asanda Madyibi, Mosa Mokoenaand Raymond Matukane.

The Awards were started in 1994 by Sonwabile Ndamase, the designer behind the famous “Madiba Shirt”, who literally turned former President Nelson Mandela into Africa’s style icon. He is the Executive President of South African Fashion Designers Agency (SAFDA), a registered member of Proudly South African.

Ndamase is passionate about improving local fashion in the country and is a champion for previously disadvantaged designers. Every year, a seminar, workshops and exhibitions are held alongside the Awards.These provide SMMES, including fashion designers, with information on SMME support initiatives and market access opportunities. The initiative is supported and endorsed by Proudly South African.

“The Annual Vukani Fashion Awards Business success depends on the ability to collaborate with others. But it’s not easy to make those life changing relationships, and even harder to keep them. ncient wisdom has often pointed to the lessons nature can teach us: the cunning ways of the wily Jackal, the wisdom of the elephant, and the work ethic of the ant,” alluded Ndamase.